It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frederick “Freddie” John Tomassetti III, 77, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Laurel (Garry) Tomassetti, his high school sweetheart and true love, for 54 years.
Fred was born on April 16, 1946 in Meriden, CT and was the son of the late Frederick J. Tomassetti Jr. and Mary (Montefiore) Tomassetti. He attended St. Joseph’s School in Meriden, was a graduate of Southington High School, and earned a B.A. from CCSC. He was a longtime Southington resident and active member of the community. Fred was a proud member of the Sons of Italy, the American Legion Kiltonic Post #72, and the Southington Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf. Participating in the Couples Golf League with Laurel and his friends was one of his favorite pastimes. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving as a dental technician in Newport, RI. Fred then worked as a dental sales representative with Unitek Dental and A-Company, retiring as a sales manager with Kerr Dental in 2008. His hard work and charisma earned him many awards and recognition throughout his career.
Fred loved music and often played guitar, sang, and danced among family and friends; he especially loved singing along while his nephew, Bob, played the piano. He was an avid sports fan; cheering on the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants and the UConn basketball teams. Fred was a memorable basketball and softball coach to many throughout the years, especially his two daughters. “Pa” was always on the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, supporting and cheering them on. Everyone looked forward to gathering at Fred & Laurel’s house for Sunday sauce and family time. Many special memories were created while vacationing with his family each year in Narragansett…spending time on the beach, playing cards, and lighting fireworks! Both Italy and Aruba were unforgettable vacations for Fred and Laurel.
In addition to his loving wife, Fred's legacy lives on through his daughter Denise Lasker and her husband J.T., daughter Karen Brown and her husband Matthew, and his grandchildren Emma, Abby, Gavin, Owen, Delaney, and Kaelyn. He is also survived by his brother David Tomassetti, sister Judith Smith, brothers-in-law Randall (Sheila), David (Kathy) and Jimmy (Terry) Garry, as well as sister-in-law Nancy Garry and many very special nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved very much. Fred was predeceased by his sister Carol Tomassetti, brothers-in-law Thomas Garry, Bob Garry and Michael Smith, his mother-in-law Marge Garry and his close uncles, Bill and Gene Montefiore.
Fred’s family would like to thank Dr. Charles Rutter and Dr. Benjamin Chu and their amazing staff members for the wonderful care and compassion that was shown to Fred (a.k.a. “the mayor”) and his family throughout his illness.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM in St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St. Plantsville, CT 06479. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with military honors at 7:00 PM at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT 06489. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to Empower, a non-profit organization founded by his two daughters’ close childhood friend, Cara Belvin, at https://weareempower.org/donate/ or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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